Members of the Just Begin Life Club engage in a variety of activities. [Photo provided to China Daily]

In this supportive environment, many seniors have discovered exciting opportunities in life.

Huang shared the story of one woman who, after trying an oil painting activity at the club, became deeply engaged, practicing regularly and attending classes. Within just four months, she was invited to exhibit her work at a gallery.

"The club has opened new possibilities for these 'old friends'," Huang said.

Beyond entertainment, Just Begin Life also focuses on the emotional needs of its members.

One moment that stood out to Lu was during a book club meeting when an elderly woman shared her experience of recently losing her mother. She found great comfort in the support of fellow members who had gone through similar losses.

Members of the Just Begin Life Club engage in a variety of activities. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Our club helps seniors connect with others at the same stage of life, providing mutual support as they face similar challenges," Lu said. "These conversations and interactions create a space for healing."

In 2023, when the club was first launched, Huang and Lu created an account on Xiaohongshu (RedNote) to recruit members. Despite the platform's younger user base, the club attracted 2,000 subscribers within two weeks — most of whom were retirees aged 50 and above.

To help members connect before meeting in person, the club set up online chat groups. However, while younger people are accustomed to turning online interactions into real-life friendships, older generations are more skeptical. "Their biggest concern was whether the club was a scam," Lu said.

To address this, Huang and Lu organized a casual afternoon tea event, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where senior participants could feel at ease.

"At first, only about 20 people showed up," Lu said. "But they soon realized they had a lot in common — similar ages and a shared desire to explore new activities in retirement."

As word spread, more members from the online groups started attending offline events.